Protective role ofAloe veraagainst X-ray induced testicular dysfunction

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the possible radioprotective potential of an Aloe vera extract against whole-body X-ray irradiation-induced testicular alterations in mice. Male balb/c mice were divided into four groups: control, A. vera, X-ray and A. vera pre-treated + X-ray irradiated. Histopathological examination revealed significant structural alterations in testes after X-ray exposure, which was also associated with the presence of apoptotic cells as assessed by TUNEL assay. X-ray irradiation resulted in elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, a reduction in glutathione concentration and enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase. Sperm count/motility and testosterone levels were significantly decreased in the irradiated group. Irradiated animals pre-treated with A. vera extract revealed an improvement in antioxidant status, inhibition of lipid peroxides, apoptotic cell formation and enhanced testicular parameters when compared to the X-ray-exposed group. These findings suggest that A. vera extract could ameliorate X-ray-induced damage due to its free radical scavenging properties and its potential to boost cellular antioxidant defence machinery.

Aloe veramodulates X-ray induced hematological and splenic tissue damage in mice

“…Previously, we have reported that the apoptotic index was increased in testes of X-ray irradiated mice, which was decreased upon A. vera gel extract administration. 30 The alterations in hematological parameters are considered the most sensitive biological markers for the exposure to both internal and external irradiation. After whole-body gamma irradiation, injury to animal tissues was well reflected in the peripheral blood.…”

“…These animals were exposed to a cumulative dose of 2 Gy (0.258 Gy twice a day for 4 days in the last week) and the dose of X-ray was standardized in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, PGIMER, Chandigarh. 30,31 Animal treatment and study design Male balb/c mice (25-30 g) were selected from an inbred colony of central animal house, Panjab University (Chandigarh) maintained under the controlled conditions of temperature (23 + 2 C), humidity (50 + 5%), and 12 h of light and dark cycle, respectively. The animals were provided with a standard pellet diet as recommended by the Ashirwad Industries Ltd., Ropar, Punjab (India) and water ad libitum.…”

“…8 Previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated the radioprotective potential of A. vera against radiation-induced damage in hepatic, renal, and testicular tissues of mice. [29][30][31] The hematopoietic system is extremely sensitive to radiation and it readily manifests changes upon radiation exposure. Thus, investigating the modulatory effects of A. vera on radiation-induced changes in the hematopoietic system could yield more information about its effectiveness as a radioprotector.…”

Epigenetic Roles of Microbiota and Aloe vera in Health and Disease

“…Bala et al [12] evaluated the possible radio-protective potential of aloe vera extract against whole-body X-ray irradiation-induced testicular alterations in male balb/c mice. X-ray irradiation resulted in elevation of the levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, a reduction in glutathione concentration, but interestingly, enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, SOD and glutathione-S-transferase.…”

Integration of botanicals in contemporary medicine: road blocks, checkpoints and go-ahead signals

“…Administration of Aloe vera extract provided protection against radiation induced testicular damage in mice by its ability to scavenge free radicals and strengthen the cellular anti-oxidant defense system. 158 , 159 Withania somnifera has the ability to mitigate arsenic induced toxicity in rats. 160 Several researchers have investigated the anticancer effects of Withania somnifera against skin, prostate, colon, leukemia etc in animal models and cell lines.…”